A tree takes a long time to grow to maturity, yet it seems that it only need a short time for disease to kill it. One of the indications that your tree may be under great duress is the observation of fuzzy gray or olive-green stuff on the trunk or branches of the declining tree. This disease, known as HYPOXYLON CANKER, is caused by the fungus
Biscogniauxia atropunctatum (formerly,
Hypoxylon atropunctatum). This fungus is believed to be a weak pathogen and may be present on trees. Disease develops when trees are weakened through various stresses, allowing the pathogen to overcome the resistance of the host tree. The last few years has been tremendously stressful on our trees in Texas. The drought in 2005 and 2006, followed by the above-average rains in 2007 has asserted much stress on our trees. Depending on the type of tree, decline or some detrimental effects are observed 1-5 years after the stress incident. This month, we have just posted a series of three factsheets on HYPOXYLON CANKER:
1 – Cause and Biology;
2- Symptoms and signs;
3- Managing the disease. General information and assistance can be found at your local AgriLife Extension county office.
